Community members tour Dugald River project site

The Dugald River project opened its doors on 13 March, welcoming visitors to site and providing a detailed project update to members of the Cloncurry and Mount Isa communities.

In line with MMG’s commitment to engage openly and regularly, MMG invited Kalkadoon and Mitakoodi Elders, representatives from Cloncurry Shire Council and other community members to visit the growing site, located about 65 kilometres from Cloncurry itself.

The visit included a bus tour across the span of the project site and stop off to view ground works for the future ROM pad and processing plant.

The community day continued into the evening with Dugald River Operations Manager Paul Harris hosting more than 40 community members, Traditional Owners, potential suppliers, pastoralists and others at the project’s second town hall meeting. The first town hall meeting was held in early 2012.

Executive General Manager Business Development Mike Nossal, General Manager Queensland Operations Mark Adams and Group Manager Project Delivery Mark Butters also addressed the group.

Key topics of discussion were project timeframes, contribution to the region, supply and employment, workforce planning and infrastructure provision.

Mr Nossal said his conversations withcommunity members had indicated strong support for the Dugald River project.

“This is my second town hall meeting in Cloncurry, and I’m pleased to see interest and support for the project continuing to grow.

Another topic of interest was the early engagement of the Queensland Operations team.

Mr Adams said this early engagement was about ensuring a world class operation, commissioning and ramp up.

“MMG has always committed to leveraging the experience and knowledge we have at our Century mine, about 235 kilometres from Dugald River, to build a strong and robust operation – this involvement cements this commitment.”

The Board of MMG endorsed the development and construction of the Dugald River project in December 2012, subject to final financing arrangements.

The project will be commissioned in 2015, with first ore feed expected in the third quarter. The first concentrate shipment is expected in the fourth quarter of 2015.